A Chaotic Journey: My Review of House of Ash and Shadow (Gilded City, #1) by R. E. Decker
You know when a book piques your interest with a captivating cover and the promise of dark magic and royal intrigue? That was my feeling when I picked up House of Ash and Shadow by R. E. Decker. However, as I dove deeper into the pages, I found myself trapped in a chaotic whirlwind of frustration. Let’s unpack this messy tale together, shall we?
The premise of House of Ash and Shadow had so much potential with its mix of young adult fantasy tropes, but it ultimately left me scratching my head. Our protagonist, Fallon, is thrown into the world of the Gilded City, where her powers and lineage become the focal point. Yet, as intriguing as the premise is, I couldn’t help but be bewildered by some glaring inconsistencies. For instance, why is Ariyon the only character who can touch Fallon? Didn’t his twin brother deserve a shot at “magical connection,” too? It felt almost random, making me long for a bit of the thoughtful world-building you’d find in series like Shatter Me.
Another major aspect that grated on me was the dialogue. It reminded me of a theatrical production rather than natural conversations. Characters would switch from casual banter to formal speech without any real transition, which felt out of sync and, honestly, annoying. Come on, who talks like that? The abrupt oscillation detracted from the overall enjoyment, pulling me out of the story at vital moments.
And let’s talk about the relationship between Avis and Queen Solana. Their half-sister dynamic felt tacked on and added little to the narrative—just another thread left hanging. The mid-term event with the cannon fire and magical combat? I mean, what’s going on here? It felt like an overly dramatic plot device rather than a significant narrative twist.
Fallon’s journey of power mastery was another area that had me rolling my eyes. One lesson? And she’s controlling her powers like a pro? Really? The climax—where she begs The Grim, the Fae of Death, for Ariyon’s life—felt anticlimactic too. A few words, and poof, problem solved? Can we get a little more tension, please?
As for the writing, well… it had its moments, but they were overshadowed by odd choices. The vivid descriptions, like an almost obsessive focus on cleanliness, struck me as bizarre, even distracting. It’s as though the author was trying to paint a picture but got lost in the brushstrokes.
Despite the myriad of critiques I have—believe me, my notes were filled with exasperations—there were glimmers of intrigue and creativity peppered throughout. If you enjoy light fantasy with a royal twist and don’t mind plot holes large enough to walk through, this might be a read for you.
In the end, while House of Ash and Shadow had the potential for an engaging epic, it left me feeling more exasperated than enchanted. If you’re in the mood for something whimsical and messy, give it a go. Just don’t expect the polished jewels often found in well-crafted fantasy—this one felt more like a rough diamond in need of a good editor. Happy reading, but maybe keep your expectations in check!
Discover more about House of Ash and Shadow (Gilded City, #1) on GoodReads >>